Editor’s note: The New Jersey Department of Education, Office of Special Education Policy and Procedure has completed its piloting of Facilitated IEP meetings, and the option is now available statewide for school districts and parents. This Common Ground Q&A updates a previous Q&A on the topic published in 2017.
Parents and districts in New Jersey now have access to a new program offered by the Department called Facilitated IEP. It has two main purposes:
- To promote student-centered IEP meetings that are conducted in a respectful and collaborative manner. and
- To maximize district-level capacity to develop student-centered IEPs and minimize state-level procedural protections and interventions which often result from ineffective IEP meetings.
States and school districts can turn toward this less costly measure which reportedly improve relationships between school districts and parents, result in a greater number of mutually agreed upon IEPs, and reduce in the number of districts and parents utilizing formal dispute resolution options.
Q: What is IEP facilitation?
A: IEP facilitation is a process that fosters effective communication between parents and school districts as they develop a mutually agreed upon IEP. This process may be used as a preventative measure in which a trained facilitator promotes whole team participation, acknowledging and addressing differing opinions in a respectful and neutral manner. IEP facilitation can improve the relationships between school districts and parents in order to effectively plan services to meet student needs.
State-sponsored IEP facilitation is a voluntary service offered at no cost to districts and parents of students with disabilities. A parent or school district representative may make the request for the state-sponsored facilitator.
Q: What are the benefits of FIEP?
A: Facilitation is a process that helps foster effective communication between parents and school districts as they develop a mutually agreeable IEP. This process may be used as a preventive measure in which a trained facilitator promotes whole team participation, acknowledging and addressing differing opinions in a respectful and impartial manner. IEP facilitation enhances partnerships between school districts and parents in order to effectively plan services to meet student needs.
Benefits of IEP Facilitation
- Defines roles and responsibilities of IEP team members.
- May build and improve relationships among the IEP team members and between parents and schools.
- Models effective communication and listening.
- Clarifies points of agreement and disagreement.
- Provides opportunities for team members to resolve conflicts if they arise.
- Encourages parents and professionals to identify new options to address unresolved issues.
- Is typically less stressful than formal proceedings.
- Supports follow-through and follow-up.
- Is the IEP meeting and does not require a separate meeting to formalize agreements that are reached.
Q: What is the role of the state-sponsored facilitator?
A: An IEP facilitator focuses on the process of the meeting and supporting all parties’ full participation. The facilitator is not a member of the IEP team or advocate for any person on the team. The IEP facilitator is not an employee of the school district or OSEP. The facilitator does not make decisions for the group. The facilitator keeps team members on task, clarifies points of agreement and disagreement, and provides team members opportunities to consider alternative options. The parameters of confidentiality apply to all IEP meetings, including facilitated IEP meetings.
Rights and Responsibilities
- IEP Facilitation does not relieve the school district of the responsibility to meet regulatory obligations, including timelines.
- If an agreement is reached on the IEP, the school district is required to complete the IEP document and provide a copy to the parent with written notice.
- The only record kept of the facilitated IEP session is the date, time and location of the session, surveys, and the result. Neither OSEP nor the facilitator will keep a copy of the IEP document.
Q: How can this be arranged?
A: This is a proactive measure being taken by the DOE as an option before filing a due process complaint or mediation. A third party (state-sponsored facilitator) will be provided to promote effective communication and assist the IEP team in developing a mutually acceptable IEP. If a district and parent are already involved in due process or a complaint, then this service cannot be accessed. Both parties have to agree to participate; the assistance request may be initiated by either party.
To request a facilitated IEP, click here.
Q: How is a Facilitated IEP meeting different from mediation?
A: New Jersey Department of Education, Office of Special Education Policy and Procedure, provides a convenient comparison of Facilitated IEP meetings and mediation. Click here to view the OSEPP Comparison now.
To learn more about Facilitated IEP meetings, click here.
